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09 Aug, 2022 by Mike
I worked with Karen to create a trust. The whole process was efficient, easy to understand, and thorough. She and her team listened to my needs and we got it right the first time, without any need for significant changes. I also learned about (and implemented) some planning directives I wasn't previously familiar with, such as the Advance Directive for Dementia. Overall this was a great experience, even though it can involve some difficult choices.
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20 May, 2020 by Sandra
Karen Dawson is excellent to work with. Her preplanning materials for our wills and trust were easy to fill out. We have put this off for years believing it was going to be super complex but she made it easy. She was also very patient through my endless questions and she asked us questions to clarify our thinking. Her final package was thorough and gave us a step-by-step of next actions. We could not have done this without her. We highly recommend her for wills and trusts.
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23 Feb, 2020 by Melissa
Karen is wonderful to work with. She clearly explains the process and laws of estate planning in Oregon, especially since it is unfamiliar territory for us. She is thorough and offers council when we needed specific guidance, but never directly told us what decision we should make, especially in regards to end of life care and decisions. We hired her specifically for estate planning, writing our wills, and establishing trusts. It can be a very daunting task, since we have never had to face the reality of planning for the future after our deaths, but Karen's process is very smooth and reassuring. We enjoyed working with Karen's calming demeanor and vast knowledge of the law surrounding trusts and estate planning. We highly recommend her!
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23 Mar, 2020 by Jessica
Don is down to earth, knowledgable, and very helpful. After speaking with him I learned that I didn't need an attorney at the time and was very thankful for his honesty. I will definitely contact him in the future when I need further advice.
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23 Mar, 2020 by Rosie
Our meeting with Don on Estate Planning was very informative. He was able to provide us with options and solid advice on how to move forward.
My Family and I highly recommend using Don expert services.
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10 Feb, 2020 by Tausha
I would recommend Don Rolfe to anyone seeking estate planning that wants a professional, friendly and talented attorney in their corner. He is a smart and savvy and yet approachable and down to earth. He is someone you can count on to help with any estate planning need. You know that he genuinely has your best interest at heart. We were lucky to find him.
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07 May, 2015 by Gerald
We have consulted with Ed and have found him and his staff to always be very professional and knowledgeable. Ed helped us write a contract for our electrical company so we complied with the new CCB regulations. He also advised us on how to collect bad debt from a general contractor that we had dealt with and helped us walk through the process that seems to a layman almost insurmountable.
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07 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Edward was very informative from the start, he told me what to focus on and the 4 or 5 things that I needed to pay close attention to. This allowed me to sleep well at night knowing that he would take care of the business at hand. He seemed to work well with the opposing counsel and was very fair and reasonable . Edward was always accessible and quick to return calls and kept me most informed all along the way. In a divorce there is never a good senario, no one wins, hopefully you can go on respectfully about your life and I feel Ed and his team was very concerned about the personal affect of all involved. I would absolutely recommend Edward Lohman and his team to anyone looking for legal assistance. He was very knowledgable, informative and someone I can trust with my business and I would look to him for any legal help I may need in the future.
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04 May, 2015 by Kurt
Edward Lohman is an excellent attorney. He has handled a few significant matters in my life to very positive resolutions. Edward and his staff are Fast, Friendly, Efficient, Trustworthy and get the results you need. I highly recommend this firm.
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14 Apr, 2013 by Glenn
They did a great job putting our trust in order. They included advanced directives and a will all for a very fair price. I would recommend to everyone to take care of this stuff before it is too late and your family winds up in probate which is a mess. Richard and his son Tom just do estate planning and they are efficient.
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18 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
This estate attorney firm near Lake Oswego OR. provides a very good service. They specialize in estate planning and they offer a very complete package that was a lot less than others wanted to charge me. They are very pleasant and knowledgeable. I received a very good value.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Rose bond
While Estate planning is not my favorite activity, the folks at Edgel Law really made the whole experience much easier. From Michael's first welcome consult, which set the tone and assured me they would listen and take in my circumstances, through reviewing written drafts to the final signing, I felt my questions were heard and addressed. At the final signing, Heather did a super job of going at the right speed and making sure I understood the legalese - she made it human. I left happy and proud of myself for finally getting it done!
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24 Feb, 2024 by Kathie currey
Edgel Law Group is the best law firm I've ever dealt with. Mary at front desk is so efficient and will help you out whenever needed. Heather and Michael are very knowledgeable in all aspects of Family Trusts , POA, Income Cap Trusts, They all are great at customer service and are willing to help you when needed. Thank you so much for all of your generosity and kind service thru our families issues.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Diane jukofsky
Handling the legal and emotional aspects of preparing a will can be challenging, but Nicole Sakys and Mary Lundstrom immediately made us feel welcome and at ease. Nicole is superb at clearly explaining somewhat complicated provisions and laying out our options. We feel entirely confident in and comfortable with the resulting documents.
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30 Sep, 2022 by Wp3 llc
I do not feel good about writing this, but after significant consideration I found it to be important for me to share my experience: if you are looking for an attorney to waste time, sabotage your case, bail on you right before trial, and literally take your money without your consent, look no further. This was my nightmare experience for over a year working with Henry Rau.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Mary hennessy
07 Nov, 2021 by Bill long
13 Feb, 2024 by Candace whitman
11 Oct, 2023 by Tim wagner
When I opted to call Dave about a real estate transaction that I was being sued over, I never knew how fortunate I was in making that call. What should have been an easy matter to resolve turned into a 2.5 year battle - all because of the unprofessional behavior of the opposing council. I knew very little about the civil litigation process and statutes that govern them. Dave was very patient with me and made sure I understood along the way what to expect and the options I had at each decision point. In this way, he was a coach and trusted teammate. I could always depend on Dave to communicate quickly and openly everything that was going on between him and the opposing counsel. When I would ask for his opinion I could expect a calming voice on the phone often talking me off the ledge as I would catastrophize the situation. His advice was invaluable. These were the “soft” skills that Dave brings to the practice. Things that maybe you wouldn’t consider in choosing a lawyer. He presents himself as the neighbor next door and has a wide range of contacts and resources to draw upon. In addition to his personal style, Dave is an excellent lawyer and his years of experience shine in his knowledge of the law and the steps that need to be taken at each point in the case. In the end, we won the case without having to go to trial. But I had total confidence that if we would have gone to trial, we would have prevailed because of Dave’s preparation and full understanding of the case and the approach he would have taken. What could have turned into a financially ruinous situation for me turned into a windfall with a partial return of money that I had spent defending myself. DO NOT HESITATE TO MAKE THE CALL if you find yourself in need of a responsible lawyer that you can trust and depend on to represent you fairly and when necessary aggressively.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Polly steenhagen
Just make sure that if you receive a check from them for settlement, that they bother to sign the check!!! We had to drive an additional 2 hours back and forth to get our check signed !!!!
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10 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Please consider my experience before hiring Lisa K. Day. She is very inexperienced, misguided me on numerous occasions, drew out my legal process way too long, cost me tens of thousands of dollars due to her mistakes and lack of experience. She overlooked many details of my case which ended up affecting the outcome. She raised the eyebrows of bankers, other attorneys, businesses and more. I strongly encourage anyone that is considering her to represent them and/or draft documents to be advised of her extremely low level of competence.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
